«Something?» echoed Don Pedro. «If the King had known this, he might have accounted the order of Saint James of Compostella inadequate.»
Dona Hernanda looked at him sharply, to see whether he dealt in irony. But he seemed quite sincere, so much so that for once he had shed the hauteur in which he usually arrayed himself. He resumed after a moment's pause.
«Of course, of course, you cannot include these men in the amnesty. They are not common malefactors. They are enemies of Spain.» Abruptly, with a hint of purpose, he asked: «How will you deal with them?»
Don Jayme thrust out a nether lip considering. «I am still undecided whether to hang them out of hand, or to let Frey Alonso hold his auto de fe upon them and consign them to the fire as heretics. I think I told you so.»
«Yes, yes. But I did not then know that Wolverstone is one of them. That makes a difference.»
«What difference?»
«Oh, but consider. Give this matter thought. With thought you'll see for yourself what you should do. It's plain enough.»
Don Jayme considered awhile as he was bidden. Then shrugged his shoulders.
«Faith, sir, it may be plain enough to you. But I confess that I see no choice beyond that of rope or fire.»
«Ultimately, yes. One or the other. But not here in Porto Rico. That is to smother the effulgence of your achievement. Send them to Spain, Don Jayme. Send them to his Majesty, as an earnest of the zeal for which he has been pleased to honour you. Show him thus how richly you deserve that honour and even greater honours. Let that be your acknowledgment.»